Accused Riverdale teacher to resign

Educator appeared to be pushing child on May video

7/26/2014

BLADE STAFF

Williams

Williams

MOUNT BLANCHARD, Ohio — The Riverdale Local Schools teacher who appears to be pushing a kindergartner on a May video has resigned from the school district, according to the Blade’s media partner, WTVG-TV, Channel 13.

Barb Williams sent a resignation letter to Superintendent Eric Hoffman, who told the TV station he received it Friday. He declined to release the letter, though.

The Riverdale Local Board of Education is expected to receive the letter at its Monday meeting, when the board could vote to accept the resignation.

A school surveillance video shows Mrs. Williams using force against Ian Nelson, 6.

Last month Mrs. Williams of Hancock County’s Mount Blanchard pleaded not guilty to a misdemeanor charge of child endangering.

The boy’s parents, Autumn and Anthony Nelson, and their Cleveland attorney Daniel Margolis have voiced frustrations to reporters about what they say has been an insufficient inquiry into the incident. They met with prosecutors to push for tougher charges.

Mr. Nelson said the family has not decided “at this time” to file a civil lawsuit.